For many believers, the longing to be with God is a deeply rooted desire that permeates every aspect of life. At times, He can feel distant, like a soft echo beyond the reach of our understanding. Yet there are also moments when His presence floods our hearts, and we are reminded that we are not alone. This tension between the “now” and “not yet” is part of our faith journey—a journey that will one day culminate in eternal fellowship with Him.

A Heart that Longs for Eternity

The apostle Peter reminds us in 2 Peter 3:12 to be “looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God.” This anticipation is the heartbeat of every believer who yearns to dwell with the Lord. It’s not just about escaping the trials of this world but about stepping into the fullness of God’s love and glory, which will never fade.

In the words of the psalmist, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:1). This yearning is not a passive desire but an active pursuit—a longing to be closer to the One who created and redeemed us.

Don’t Lose Hope

In the waiting, it’s easy to grow weary. Life’s struggles, disappointments, and trials can make it seem like eternity is far off. Yet Jesus offers encouragement: “He who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). Endurance is not just about surviving; it’s about holding on to the promises of God with unwavering faith.

Paul, writing to the Galatians, said, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). This is the call to every believer: to persevere, to trust, and to keep our eyes fixed on the eternal prize—dwelling with God forever.

A Glimpse of Eternity

There are moments when the veil between heaven and earth feels thin, and we can sense the nearness of God. These glimpses are but a foretaste of what is to come. As John describes in Revelation, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God” (Revelation 21:3). This promise is the culmination of God’s plan: to be united with His children for eternity.

When Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you… that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3), He was pointing to His journey to the cross. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus provided the way for us to be with Him forever. The cross was not merely an act of love—it was the ultimate preparation for our eternal home. By conquering sin and death, Jesus secured our place in the presence of God, making it possible for us to dwell with Him for all eternity.

The Call to Wait with Joy

While we wait for that glorious day, we are called to live in expectation. “Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching” (Luke 12:37). Our waiting is not idle but filled with hope, faith, and worship.

James encourages us: “Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it” (James 5:7). Just as a farmer waits for the harvest, so too must we wait with patience, knowing the day is near.

Encouragement for the Journey

If you ever feel weary or distant from God, take heart. He is closer than you think. Paul reminds us that nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39). Whether in moments of silence or in the midst of life’s storms, His love remains steadfast.

As we long for the day when we will tabernacle with God forever, let us hold fast to His promises. Let us be found faithful, enduring to the end, and encouraging one another with these words: “And so we shall forever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

A Prayer for Endurance and Longing

Lord, we thank You for the promise of eternal fellowship with You. Strengthen our hearts as we wait for Your return. Help us to endure with faith, hope, and love, and to fix our eyes on the eternal prize of being with You. Fill our souls with the joy of Your presence and the assurance of Your unfailing promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let us keep looking, longing, and living in the hope of eternity, where the tabernacle of God will be with us forever.